A geophysical study of the palaeo-beds of the rivers in the plain of Pisa

From historical and archaeological research it is weIl known that the rivers of the plain of Pisa (Arno, Serchio, the ancient Auser) changed their courses many times even after the roman age. Starting from the processing of aerial photographs and satellite images, a series of geoelectrical surveys have been carried out to identify at ground level the possible palaeo-beds suggested by the images. Due to the faint traces left by the rivers, the task was not obvious. The original approach, based on short VES + resistivity cross-sections, had to be modified and optimised for this particular application. Some new imaging techniques helped to mark the palaeo-beds. The results allowed the construction of a map of the ancient river beds in the area.